Chief’ Corner



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Chief’s Corner

“Protecting, serving and educating America’s future”

February 13, 2008

Recognizing a Stroke

Although we have provided some of this information before it is a good idea to refresh our memory as it is not something we do every day. Recognizing the signs of a stroke can save a person’s life. One fact you need to remember is that a stroke can happen to anyone at any age. Although elderly may be more prone to a stroke, it is not uncommon for it to happen to young, healthy people. A few symptoms to remember and the associated acronym may one day save a life:

Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body

Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding

Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Sudden extreme tiredness

Time lost is brain lost. Don’t stall – make the call, 9-1-1.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

A simple way to remember how to recognize a stroke is to use the acronym STR.

S * Ask the individual to SMILE.

T * Ask the person to TALK to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE

(Coherently) (i.e. It is sunny out today)

R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

*NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this:

Ask the person to 'stick' out their tongue. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke. If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

STROKE: Remember The 1st Three Letters...S.T.R.

REMINDER: If you have not yet signed up for the free emergency text messaging system for Stockton, please do so by using the link on the Home Page. This emergency notification system will only be used for emergency messages.

TIP OF THE WEEK: Please visit the Police Department web site for additional information on safety, services we provide, convenient links to many other agencies, emergency preparedness information and lots of other useful information.

Remember, safety is everyone’s business, so please report any safety or security concern to us at X4390 or dial 9-1-1 in an emergency.

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